Skirgaila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skirgaila |
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| Grand Duke of Lithuania | |
| Reign | 1386 – 1392 |
| Predecessor | Jogaila |
| Successor | Vytautas |
| Regent | Władysław II Jagiełło |
| Duke of Trakai | |
| Reign | 1382 – 1392 |
| Predecessor | Kęstutis |
| Successor | Vytautas |
| Prince of Kiev | |
| Reign | 1395 – 1397 |
| Predecessor | Vladimir Olgerdovich |
| Successor | Ivan Olshansky |
| Born | ~1354 Vilnius, Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
| Died | January 8, 1397 (aged 42–43) Kyiv, Principality of Kiev, Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
| Burial | Kyiv Pechersk Lavra |
| Latin | Schirgalo |
| Belarusian | Скіргайла Альгердавіч |
| Polish | Skirgiełło |
| Dynasty | Gediminid |
| Father | Algirdas |
| Mother | Uliana of Tver |
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Skirgaila (also known as Ivan) was an important leader in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He was born around 1353 or 1354. From 1386 to 1392, he served as a regent for his brother, Jogaila. A regent is someone who rules a country when the main ruler is too young or away. Skirgaila was the son of Algirdas, who was the Grand Duke of Lithuania. His mother was Uliana of Tver.
Contents
Skirgaila's Early Life and Rise to Power
Skirgaila was a key figure in the history of Lithuania. He was a son of Grand Duke Algirdas. After Algirdas passed away in 1377, his brother Jogaila became the new Grand Duke.
Family Conflicts and Support for Jogaila
There were many disagreements within the ruling family. These arguments were between Jogaila, his uncle Kęstutis, and his cousin Vytautas the Great. Many people believe Skirgaila played a big part in these family disputes. He even traveled to meet the Teutonic Knights in 1379. This was just before a controversial agreement called the Treaty of Dovydiškės.
Skirgaila was a very strong supporter of his brother Jogaila. He helped Jogaila during a difficult time. This was during the Lithuanian Civil War (1381–1384). Skirgaila helped to capture both Kęstutis and Vytautas. They were held in Kreva castle. Kęstutis died in prison after about a week. Some historians think Skirgaila might have been involved in his death. As a reward for his loyalty, Skirgaila was given control of the Duchy of Trakai.
Negotiating the Union of Kreva
Skirgaila was also very involved in important political events. He helped Jogaila prepare for the Union of Kreva. This was a major agreement between Lithuania and Poland. Skirgaila even led a group of diplomats to Poland. Their talks were successful.
In 1386, Jogaila married Jadwiga of Poland. He then became the King of Poland. Jogaila chose Skirgaila to rule Lithuania for him. Skirgaila became the governor of Lithuania on March 13, 1386. He ruled not only for Jogaila but also for Queen Jadwiga and the Polish Crown.
Skirgaila as Ruler of Lithuania
As the ruler of Lithuania, Skirgaila faced many challenges. He had to deal with his oldest brother, Andrei. Andrei did not want to accept Jogaila as the Grand Duke.
Dealing with Opponents
Skirgaila first defeated Andrei's ally, Sviatoslav II of Smolensk. This happened in a battle near Mstislavl on April 29, 1386. Sviatoslav died in this battle. His son, Yury of Smolensk, then had to accept Lithuanian rule. In return, Yury kept his princely title.
Next, Skirgaila attacked Polatsk. His first attempt in October was not successful. But his next attempt in March 1387 worked. Andrei was captured, and his son Simeon died in battle. The next month, Skirgaila took control of Polatsk. He promised his loyalty again to Jogaila, Jadwiga, and the Polish Crown. He also promised that his land would return to the Crown if he died without an heir.
Expanding Authority
Skirgaila now directly controlled a large part of Lithuania. This included the duchy of Vilnius, which he ruled for Jogaila. On February 20, 1387, Jogaila gave Skirgaila more power. He placed Skirgaila above other Lithuanian princes. He also extended Skirgaila's authority over lands in Ruthenia.
Later Life and Death
In 1389, Skirgaila started another civil war. He attacked Vilnius but was not successful. After this, he had to ask the Teutonic Knights for help.
The Ostrów Agreement
In 1392, Jogaila and Vytautas signed an important agreement. It was called the Ostrów Agreement. Because of this agreement, Vytautas became the new regent of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Duchy of Trakai was given back to Vytautas. This was his family's traditional land.
As a way to make up for this, Skirgaila received other lands. He was given parts of Volhynia and Kiev starting in 1395. The exact reasons for his death are not fully known. He passed away on January 11, 1397, in Kiev. He was buried in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
See also
- Gediminids
- List of Lithuanian rulers
